Liverpool and Chelsea head to head for Ligue 1 star | OneFootball

Liverpool and Chelsea eye move for Lyon winger ahead of 2025 window

Liverpool aim to bounce back in vital fixture

Premier League champions Liverpool will be looking to reclaim momentum when they face Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday. Arne Slot’s side opened the defence of their title with five consecutive wins, but back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea have seen them overtaken by Arsenal at the top.

Having invested heavily during the summer on Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Slot will want a response. Only Ekitike has truly impressed so far, and pressure is growing for Liverpool’s new-look attack to deliver.

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Yet, attention has also turned to the future, with the club once again linked with one of Europe’s brightest emerging players.

Lyon winger on Premier League radar

According to Shoot, both Liverpool and Chelsea are showing strong interest in Lyon’s exciting winger Malick Fofana. The 20-year-old Belgian has been a revelation since joining the French side from Gent last season, producing 17 goals and eight assists in 71 appearances across all competitions.

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Fofana has already scored twice in his opening seven Ligue 1 matches this term, showcasing the explosive pace and technical ability that have attracted top European clubs. His current contract runs until the summer of 2028, but reports suggest his representatives are “seeking a big move at the end of the current campaign.”

Transfer potential for summer 2025

Both English sides see Fofana as a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution. Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, have monitored the Belgian for several months, while Chelsea’s focus on young, high-ceiling talent makes the player a natural fit.

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Lyon’s financial situation could also play a role, with the Ligue 1 side open to selling at the right price. Fofana’s combination of acceleration, balance and goal threat ensures that any bidding war would be closely followed across Europe.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool, the interest in Malick Fofana signals the club’s intention to stay ahead of the curve. With Mohamed Salah being in his final 2 years, the Belgian’s profile, direct, quick and versatile, fits perfectly into Slot’s attacking philosophy. Supporters would view a move as smart forward planning, ensuring the next generation of wide players is already being lined up.

However, after recent defeats, some fans might argue that strengthening the midfield and defensive depth remains a higher priority. Still, the club’s focus on youth and resale value continues to define its recruitment strategy.

For Chelsea fans, Fofana’s name adds to a familiar pattern: another talented youngster linked to Stamford Bridge. While his potential is undeniable, many supporters may question where he would fit in a squad already brimming with attacking prospects. The key will be whether Chelsea can finally balance development with stability.

Both sets of fans will see Fofana as a potential star in the making. For Liverpool, he represents continuity and evolution. For Chelsea, he could be another statement of ambition. Either way, the battle for his signature could shape the summer of 2025.